His debut album, Finally Famous, was released in June 2011 and featured guest appearances from hip hop superstars Kanye West, Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, Wiz Khalifa, and Lupe Fiasco.
He was raised by his mother and grandparents who worked steadfastly to instill in him the principles of hard work and determination. Sean attended the Detroit Waldorf School, a school of art, from Kindergarten to 8th Grade where he was in 102.7FM, a local radio station in Detroit where he displayed his rhyming skills weekly. There, he met Kanye West after a radio interview in 2005 and got a chance to display his talent by freestyling for Mr. West, giving him a copy of his music and sending numerous tracks for him to critique. After months of submitting songs and numerous meetings, Sean finally got a call from Kanye West himself saying that he wanted to sign him. Two years later, West signed Big Sean to GOOD Music. Sean has cited West, Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., and J Dilla as his influences.
On September 30, 2007, Big Sean released his first official mixtape Finally Famous: The Mixtape. His hit single, "Get'cha Some", produced by WrighTrax, attained media attention and led to articles in The Source and the Detroit Metro Times. He also recorded a music video for "Get'cha Some", which was directed by Hype Williams. Sean released a second mixtape hosted by Mick Boogie on April 16, 2009, called UKNOWBIGSEAN. It featured the songs "Million Dollars", "Get'cha Some" and "Supa Dupa". This mixtape includes 30 tracks. Sean released a third mixtape hosted by Don Cannon on August 31, 2010, called Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG, which features include major artists like Bun B, Chip tha Ripper, Curren$y, Tyga, Drake, Mike Posner, Chuck Inglish, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy, and Chiddy Bang. The mixtape includes 20 tracks.
Finally Famous, Sean's debut studio album, was released June 28, 2011, and spawned three hit singles; "My Last", "Marvin & Chardonnay" and "Dance (Ass)". The album featured guest appearances from Lupe Fiasco, John Legend, Pharrell, Kanye West, Roscoe Dash, Wiz Khalifa, Chiddy Bang, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Pusha T, and included production from No I.D., The Legendary Traxster, Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Xaphoon Jones and The Neptunes. When the songs "O.T.T.R." and "Flowers" were leaked in July 2011, speculation began of a new mixtape. Sean confirmed in an interview on June 28, 2011, that a collaborative mixtape between him and "two other guys in hip-hop that are just killing it right now" will be released "in a couple of weeks". Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y were the suspected featured rappers on the mixtape. However, Wiz Khalifa later confirmed that there would be no mixtape, claiming that the songs were created, "just for fun".
In September 2011, Big Sean confirmed in an interview with the Daily Tribune that he'll be working on his second album during the I Am Finally Famous Tour and plans to release the album sometime in 2012. On October 19, 2011, Kanye West announced on his Twitter plans for a Spring 2012 GOOD Music album release. On April 6, 2012, "Mercy", the lead single from the GOOD Music compilation album, Cruel Summer, was released. The song, produced by newly signed in-house producer Lifted, features Big Sean along with Kanye West, Pusha T, and southern rapper 2 Chainz. Big Sean then announced his fourth mixtape would be titled "Detroit" and would serve as a lead-in to his second studio album. He then began promoting the mixtape, releasing short versions of the songs on his YouTube page. On September 5, 2012, Big Sean released the mixtape Detroit which features guest appearances from fellow rappers J. Cole, Juicy J, King Chip, French Montana, Royce da 5'9", Kendrick Lamar, and Tyga.
Big Sean pushed back the release date of his second studio album Hall of Fame which was eventually released on August 27, 2013. The album has skits to give it a "classic feel", and includes features from multiple artists, including Lil Wayne, Miguel, and Nas. The album's production was primarily handled by No I.D., and Key Wane along with additional production from Hit-Boy, Da Internz, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Xaphoon Jones, and Young Chop among others. Big Sean also stated in an interview that he was in the studio with fellow Detroit native Eminem. Sean went on to say they made a "Detroit classic" but he is unsure if it will be on Hall of Fame because of "timing issues". Hall of Fame spawned five singles, "Guap", "Switch Up" featuring Common, "Beware" featuring Jhené Aiko and Lil Wayne, "Fire", and "Ashley" featuring Miguel.
A month prior to the release of Hall of Fame, Big Sean told Complex that he had already begun work on his third album due to the inspiration from his new relationship. On September 12, 2014, Big Sean announced that he had signed a management deal with Roc Nation. Later that same day he released four new songs titled, "I Don't Fuck with You", "Paradise", "4th Quarter" and "Jit/Juke". Producers for these songs include, Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard, Kanye West, DJ Dahi, Nate Fox, Da Internz, L&F, and Key Wane. "I Don't Fuck with You" was released to iTunes on September 19, 2014. In an interview with Sway Calloway, Sean confirmed that Lil Wayne will be featured on the album.
In May 2012, Big Sean founded a nonprofit organization called the “Sean Anderson Foundation,” with the aim of helping underserved children and families in Detroit. Alongside direct donations to local institutions, primarily educational institutions, the foundation has created fundraising programs and partnered with other organizations. In 2016, the foundation launched #HealFlintKids to raise money for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint amid the Flint water crisis - the program raised $100,000.
In 2015, the foundation launched Mogul Prep, which partnered high school students with music industry professionals. During the same year, the foundation donated a recording studio for students at Big Sean's alma mater, Cass Technical High School. Beginning in 2018, the foundation has hosted an annual weekend festival, called D.O.N. Weekend, with free events and performances for Detroit residents and usually by Detroit artists. In December 2018, Big Sean in partnership with Ally Financial, Thurgood Marshall College Fund & the Sean Anderson Foundation, created an annual scholarship competition for HBCU students called “Moguls in the Making.”
On March 25, 2016, Big Sean released a track to celebrate his 28th birthday, "Get My Shit Together". Two days later he announced a self-titled album with Jhené Aiko, Twenty88, scheduled to be released on April 1, 2016, exclusively on Tidal. The album was released on April 5, 2016, on Apple Music and Spotify. A week after the exclusive release of Twenty88 on Tidal, Big Sean and Aiko released a 15-minute short film called Out of Love, which is composed of several recordings from the album. Around the same month, upon the wake of the Flint water crisis, Big Sean tweeted to the city's official Twitter account, asking if he could do anything to help, and later on donated $10,000.
On October 31, 2016, Big Sean released "Bounce Back" as the lead single from his fourth studio album, I Decided, which was released on February 3, 2017. "Moves" was released as an instant-great on December 16, 2016. Sean consulted the advice of Jay Z and Rick Rubin while working on the album. Big Sean achieved his second number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart, as I Decided debuted at the top. It earned 151,000 equivalent album units in the week of February 9, according to Nielsen Music. 65,000 of the amount was in pure album sales. As of April 18, 2017, I Decided was certified gold.
Two months after the release of I Decided, Big Sean was offered the official Key to the City of Detroit for his contribution to his own Sean Anderson foundation.
On November 3, 2017, Sean and Metro Boomin released the single "Pull Up N Wreck", featuring 21 Savage. A month later, it was announced that Sean and Metro were to release a collaborative album titled Double or Nothing. The album was released on December 8, 2017, and included features from Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Kash Doll, Young Thug, and Swae Lee, and included the single "Pull Up N Wreck".
On July 24, 2019, Big Sean released his first solo single since 2017 titled "Overtime", produced by Hit-Boy, Key Wane, and the Tucker Brothers. In an interview with Beats 1 Radio, Sean said he was "returning to his roots" with the single ahead of his forthcoming album. On July 26, he released the song "Single Again", which includes background vocals from Jhené Aiko and Ty Dolla Sign. On August 26, he released the single "Bezerk" featuring ASAP Ferg, performing it at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
On March 25 (Big Sean's 32nd birthday), he announced that his new record would be titled Detroit 2. On August 25, he released the album's lead single, "Deep Reverence", featuring late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Detroit 2 was released on September 4, 2020, and features collaborations with Eminem, Jhené Aiko, and Lil Wayne. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his third number-one album.
On September 17, 2020, Big Sean revealed in a Reddit AMA that another Twenty88 album is "in the works". A track attributed to the project appeared on Detroit 2. He has also announced that he plans on launching his own record label. On October 29, 2021, Big Sean announced on Twitter that after 14 years, he has stepped away from Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label, saying "That's a forever brotherhood, but business-wise, I had to start getting a bigger cut! I worked my way out that deal." West also claimed during a November 2021 Drink Champs podcast that signing Sean was the 'worst decision' of his entire career.
Starting in 2020, Big Sean has appeared in the Showtime series 'Twenties' in a recurring role as Trsitan, an anti-social media character who learns the value of online connection. In October 2021, Big Sean, in collaboration with rapper and producer Hit-Boy released an EP entitled What You Expect.
In February 2022, Big Sean and singer Queen Naija released a single entitled "Hate Our Love". The song will appear on Naija's upcoming album. In that same month, Big Sean confirmed the Twenty88 album and revealed that the album would include a collaboration with his then-girlfriend, Jhené Aiko. In September 2022, Big Sean re-released Detroit to streaming platforms, in honor of its 10th anniversary.
In 2019, the foundation partnered with Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, donating a second $100,000 recording studio to the club during that year's D.O.N. Weekend. Since 2012, the foundation has participated in the annual All-Star Giveback on Thanksgiving, where it distributes turkeys, trimming, and canned goods to Detroit residents.
In May 2021, Big Sean, via his Sean Anderson Foundation, released a video series on wellness and mental health. The series was released during Mental Health Awareness Month and featured a conversation between Big Sean and his mother, educator Myra Anderson, about the intersection between wellness and mental health, including topics like meditation, sleep, and emotional freedom techniques.
Life Should Go On
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's the top, I need a crib on the shortside
I need a backyard full court size
From where the jury is the only thing that's courtside
Chasing money in the city of crime
Cash back so then it's black bags under my eyes
Man fuck it I got a dream worth more than my sleep
To me playing in the game is worth more than the seats
They told me no then I reverse it I'm on, I'm on!
I'm on, I'm on, they told me no then I reverse it I'm on
Mama had 2 jobs I know that she was working for me
Ten years later, I got her working for me
Hired the whole family like mobsters
Getting paid off our operation we ain't even doctors
Grandma called, see me on the billboards around the city
Man going around around the world so many times I'm dizzy
London or japan, orlando, walt disney
Paris, abu-dhabi, california weed twistin' yup!
Texas to toronto where they love that nigga drizzy
All the way to detroit, the whole city fucking with me
Heading to the money, whole city coming with me
And I'mma rep the city 'til the reaper come and get me yup!
[Hook:]
And this is how life should go
Everything I wanted never seem so close
Good people, good drinks, good smoke
Got me thinking this is how life should go
This is how life should go
Everything I wanted never seem so close
Family all around, all highs no lows
Got me thinking this is how life should go
[Verse 2: wale]
Sitting back, putting all my issues in a swisher
I keep a fuck you with my misses, fuck these other bitches
And this ain't biblical but this sermon is spiritual
'Cause when it come to winning, convincing is only been a few
The upper percentile
Whipping whatever I, 460ls you
I probably go less miles, stay in a small circle
Know that it's god working
Police got the swine flu and these niggas is raptized
Yeah, maybach poetic genius
You buying a seven jeans, keep mine in a seven beemer
I'm trampolining on niggas and I actually mean it
A fly nigga, I keep having the gravity grievous
And while these niggas keep hating, they be asking for features
That's like a complacent atheist is asking for jesus
Riding around without a fuck given
Behind them dirty plates like a catcher with a mitten
The best in my position, I'm passionate with lyrics
And they ain't fucking with the kid like chris hansen in the kitchen
I'm handsome to these women, I'm envied by these no ones
That's no joakim noah, nigga everybody know us
And even if you don't drink everybody po' up
'Cause all these hating niggas probably never gon' show up
Never hate on no one, your blessing's getting closer
Even when I'm open, there's nothing the air colder wassup
In Big Sean's song "Life Should Go On," the artist reflects on his rise to fame and his pathway which wasn't easy. He begins with discussing his geographical movements - from the west to the north side - and his desire for getting a crib on the short side; the track infers that the top is not always where you expect to find it. He talks about the dream that is consuming him and is more valuable than his sleep. In hindsight, Big Sean can now appreciate how far he has come, and mentions his family’s involvement, from his hard-working mother to hiring his entire family like mobsters to help promote his music. He speaks of how their support has helped him get over the difficulties thrown his way.
In the second verse, Wale joins the session, and the mood changes just a little. Wale discusses some of the issues he faces as he tries to maintain his uncompromising resolve in the face of criticism from both fans and non-fans alike. He talks about being the best in the game and passionate about his lyrics; no one can outdo him. He continues to mention that some people instead of supporting, keep asking him for features, encouraging him to strive for the best, knowing his worth in the rap industry.
Line by Line Meaning
From the west but I'm heading to the northside
I'm moving to a better place.
That's the top, I need a crib on the shortside
I want to live in a luxurious neighborhood with good people around.
I need a backyard full court size
I want to have a large backyard to play basketball in.
From where the jury is the only thing that's courtside
I come from a place where there is a lot of crime and the only people who get to see the action are the people who are in the courtroom.
Chasing money in the city of crime
I'm pursuing wealth in a city that's known for its dangerous activities.
Cash back so then it's black bags under my eyes
I've been working hard to make money and it's taking a toll on me physically.
Man fuck it I got a dream worth more than my sleep
I have a passion worth more than getting rest and I'm willing to sacrifice my sleep for it.
To me playing in the game is worth more than the seats
I would rather be active in my pursuit of my passion than just be a spectator.
Man fuck these hating ass bitches I'm gone
I'm not going to let negative people bring me down.
They told me no then I reverse it I'm on, I'm on!
When people told me I couldn't do something, I turned it around and proved them wrong.
Mama had 2 jobs I know that she was working for me
My mother made sacrifices for my benefit.
Ten years later, I got her working for me
Now I'm able to take care of my mother instead of the other way around.
Hired the whole family like mobsters
I'm able to provide jobs for my family members, just like a mafia operation.
Getting paid off our operation we ain't even doctors
We're making money through our own business, even though we don't have formal education or training.
Grandma called, see me on the billboards around the city
My grandmother is proud to see me on billboards and achieving success.
Man going around around the world so many times I'm dizzy
I've traveled so much that it's making me dizzy, but it's worth it to see the world and experience different cultures.
London or japan, orlando, walt disney
I've been to many places around the world, including London, Japan, Orlando, and Disneyland.
Paris, abu-dhabi, california weed twistin' yup!
I've also been to Paris, Abu Dhabi, and California where I enjoy smoking weed.
Texas to toronto where they love that nigga drizzy
I've been to many places where people love Drake, including Texas and Toronto.
All the way to detroit, the whole city fucking with me
Even in my hometown of Detroit, the entire city supports me and my journey.
Heading to the money, whole city coming with me
As I continue to make money and achieve success, I'm bringing my hometown and community with me.
And I'mma rep the city 'til the reaper come and get me yup!
I'll always represent and be proud of my hometown of Detroit until the day I die.
Sitting back, putting all my issues in a swisher
I'm relaxing and trying to forget about my problems by smoking marijuana.
I keep a fuck you with my misses, fuck these other bitches
I'm not interested in other women and I'm loyal to my significant other.
And this ain't biblical but this sermon is spiritual
This isn't religious, but my message still has a spiritual meaning.
'Cause when it come to winning, convincing is only been a few
Only a few people have what it takes to be successful.
The upper percentile
I'm in the top percentile, meaning I'm successful and wealthy.
Whipping whatever I, 460ls you
I'm driving a luxurious car, a 460ls.
I probably go less miles, stay in a small circle
I prefer to keep a small group of close friends instead of having many acquaintances.
Know that it's god working
I believe that my success and blessings are thanks to a higher power, God.
Police got the swine flu and these niggas is raptized
The police are not doing their job properly and many black people are getting into trouble or dying as a result.
Yeah, maybach poetic genius
I'm a genius when it comes to creating poetry and I ride in a luxurious car, a Maybach.
You buying a seven jeans, keep mine in a seven beemer
While you buy designer jeans, I prefer to spend my money on a luxurious car, a BMW 7 Series.
I'm trampolining on niggas and I actually mean it
I'm beating everyone in the rap game and I'm doing it with ease.
A fly nigga, I keep having the gravity grievous
I'm a stylish and cool person and I'm always attracting attention.
And while these niggas keep hating, they be asking for features
Even though other rappers may not like me, they still ask to collaborate with me on their songs.
That's like a complacent atheist is asking for jesus
It doesn't make sense for someone who doesn't believe in God to ask for God's help.
Riding around without a fuck given
I'm carefree and I don't let anything bother me.
Behind them dirty plates like a catcher with a mitten
I'm always behind the wheel of my car, no matter how dirty it may be.
The best in my position, I'm passionate with lyrics
I'm the best at what I do, and I'm passionate about my music and my lyrics.
And they ain't fucking with the kid like chris hansen in the kitchen
No one can compete with me, just like how no one can outsmart Chris Hansen in his own show.
I'm handsome to these women, I'm envied by these no ones
Women find me attractive and others are jealous of me.
That's no joakim noah, nigga everybody know us
I'm famous and well-known, just like Joakim Noah, a professional basketball player.
And even if you don't drink everybody po' up
Even if you don't like to drink, everyone joins in and has a good time.
'Cause all these hating niggas probably never gon' show up
Negative people won't show up to support me and my success.
Never hate on no one, your blessing's getting closer
Don't ever hate on other people, because the more positive you are, the closer you are to receiving blessings.
Even when I'm open, there's nothing the air colder wassup
Even when I'm vulnerable, I'm still strong and unfazed by negativity around me.
Everything I wanted never seem so close
My goals and dreams used to feel far away, but now they feel within reach.
Good people, good drinks, good smoke
I'm surrounding myself with positive and enjoyable things and people.
Family all around, all highs no lows
My family is always there for me and we have a great relationship, with no problems or drama.
Got me thinking this is how life should go
I'm living my best life and feel content and happy, and that's how life should be.
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AK THE MVP
2021?
Abdirazak Warsame
2022
Gronk
Always listened to this in the Fall. 2015
youmadbro
@GreenKey yes it is a datpiff exclusive and very slept on spotify doenst know bout this gem
GreenKey
@youmadbro ahh Yhh it’s there but I wish the two parts to the song were separated, the ones I find on yt don’t sound right
youmadbro
@GreenKey Try datpiff
David Castillo
Where the lyrics?
LeGM
[Verse 1: Big Sean]
From the West but I'm heading to the Northside
That's the top, I need a crib on the shoreside
I need a backyard full court size
From where the judge is the only thing that's courtside
Chasing money in the city of crime
Cashback so then it's black bags under my eyes
Man fuck it I got a dream worth more than my sleep
To me playing in the game is worth more than the seats
Man fuck these hating ass bitches I'm gone
They told me no then I reverse it I'm on, I'm on!
I'm on, I'm on, they told me no then I reverse it I'm on
Mama had two jobs I know that she was working for me
Ten years later, hired to working for me
Hired the whole family like mobsters
Getting paid off our operation we ain't even doctors
Grandma called, see me on the Billboards around the city
Man going around around the world so many times I'm dizzy
London or Japan, Orlando, Walt Disney
Paris, Abu-Dhabi, California weed twistin' man!
Texas to Toronto where they love that nigga Drizzy
All the way to Detroit, the whole city fucking with me
Heading to the money, whole city coming with me
And I'mma rep the city 'til the reaper come and get me yup!
[Chorus 1: Big Sean]
And this is how life should go
Everything I wanted never seem so close
Good people, good drinks, good smoke
Got me thinking this is how life should go
This is how life should go
Everything I wanted never seem so close
Family all around, all highs no lows
Got me thinking this is how life should go
[Verse 2: Wale]
Sitting back, putting all my issues in a swisher
I keep it funky with my Mrs, fuck these other bitches
And this ain’t biblical but this sermon is spiritual
‘Cause when it come to winning, convincing is only been a few
The upper percentile
Whipping whatever I, 460LS you
I probably go less miles, stay in a small circle
Know that it’s God working
Police got the swine flu and these niggas is reptiles
Yeah, Maybach poetic genius
You buying a seven jeans, keep mine in a 7 Bimmer
I’m trampolining on niggas and I actually mean it
A fly nigga, I keep having a gravity grievance
And while these niggas keep hating, they be asking for features
That’s like a complacent atheist is asking for Jesus
Riding around without a fuck given
Behind them dirty plates like a catcher with a mitten
The best in my position, I’m passionate with lyrics
And they ain’t fucking with the kid like Chris Hansen in the kitchen
I’m handsome to these women, I’m envied by these no ones
That’s no Joakim Noah, nigga everybody know us
And even if you don’t drink everybody po’ up
‘Cause all these hating niggas probably never gon’ show up
Never hate on no one, your blessing’s getting closer
Even when I’m open, it's nothing to Ed Cota wassup
[Chorus 1: Big Sean]
And this is how life should go
Everything I wanted never seem so close
Good people, good drinks, good smoke
Got me thinking this is how life should go
This is how life should go
Everything I wanted never seem so close
Family all around, all highs no lows
Got me thinking this is how life should go
Travis The Maximus
Finally famous in this